Alan Leduc's
Palmetto Ramble 2002
Ride Report

The Palmetto Ramble 2002 was an 11 hour entry level long distance competitive rally which was held March 1 and 2, 2002. Home base was in Columbia, South Carolina. The rally organizers posted a list of bonus locations in South Carolina and the surrounding states, as well as other means to collect boni on the web February 24. Each bonus location or task were assigned point values. The participants were required to develop a ride that hopefully would allow them to collect as many bonus points as possible in the eleven hours from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. March 2. A 600 mile limit was imposed but it would have been difficult to have exceeded this limit. Riders were time barred after 5:30 p.m. and would be scored as did not finish (DNF). Riders arriving after 5:00 p.m. but before 5:30 p.m. were assessed a 100 point penalty for each minute they were late.

Route Development

My strategy for developing a route was to enter all of the points in Garmin Map Source Software using the longitude and latitudes that had been provided. I thought that by doing this, a route would become evident. The first problem that I encountered was that the original hotel location was listed in decimal degrees and the bonus locations were listed in decimal minutes. I entered the location for the Riverside Inn which served as home base only to find that it did not match the original location that I plotted. I panicked. A post on the Motorcycle Tourer's Forum, an email to Carlos, one of the rally organizers, a conversation in the MTF chat room...Oh! the coordinates are in a different format. Upon investigation I learned that the Garmin mapping software allowed  the coordinates to be entered several different ways. Darn, never noticed that before.

There were 78 locations scattered about South Carolina and into Georgia and North Carolina. There were just too many points for a route to appear. I decided to divide the area in to quadrants. It looked like maybe the southeast quadrant would be the best. I decided to enter all of the points in the southeast quadrant in to Microsoft Streets and Trips as a route plan. This would give me mileage and an estimated time. Problem!!!! MSS&T only allows longitude and latitudes to be entered in decimal degrees. I searched the web and found a converter. This was going to be a real pain. I decided I would just use the converter in the Garmin software. Low and behold when I changed the setting from decimal minutes to decimal degrees, it changed all of the coordinates that I had entered. Cool. I printed out the list and began to highlight the southeast locations. I entered the locations into MSS&T in the what appeared to be the most obvious route. I used the default speed settings and set the time for each stop at 15 minutes as I was not sure as to what would be required at each bonus location. I then moved points up down and back trying to find the route that would be the fastest. I was way over 11 hours.

How did I go about eliminating stops. I started with the points that appeared to require backtracking. I recorded the time with the point and then deleted the point and calculated a new time. I divided the bonus points for that location by the minutes saved if it were deleted. If the value was very high, I undid the delete and tried another point. I continued to do this until I got a route under 11 hours. Once I was under eleven hours. I looked deleted the some other points and added points back in based upon their bonus points/minute value. I don't remember now, but I had a route of around 11, 200 points.

I then started to work on the Northwest quadrant. I came up with a three state route of around 11,400 points. I tried a Northern corridor route and was around 10,000 points. At this point I was kind of sick of playing with routes. It really wasn't much fun anymore. I decided not to even look at the Northeast quadrant and to go with something in the Northwest. I worked to refine the northwest route and thought the best I could do was about 11,200. I decided on a route and decided to go with it. I had had enough playing with maps. I'm pragmatic and not a puzzle lover by nature. These types of problems are called "Traveling Salesmen" problems in academics. They are impossible to solve in a way to determine an optimum route. I was just going to call mine as optimum as it was going to get.

February 27, I decided I should look at the route again and enter it into my GPS. There had been a few emails regarding web updates and I was not really sure what I had updated and what I had not. I decided to check all of the the points that I had entered into the Garmin software with the latest web posting. Oops, the first three points that I checked where wrong. What is up with that. After a full check of all of the locations, I had originally mis-plotted 8 points. Hey, there is a new point in the Northwest quadrant. I added the point and realized I could improve my route. Anderson would allow me to delete the Crossroads, GA bonus location and make up it's loss and the the loss of the three state bonus with Caesar's Head, Callahan Branch - Poinsettia Bridge, Campbell's Covered Bridge, and Greer. My new route would be 12,351 points but would require 11 hours and 36 minutes. This would be 6 minutes past the time bar and even if I made the time bar I would surely rack up major time delay penalties.

I needed an escape route. I developed one plan that would allow me to bail at Caesars Head, Stop 9. This would reduce the time to 10 hours but would only give me 9790 points. But I might be able to do a spur back out once I got to Columbia. Another route would require me to bail at Highlands, and then pick up two bonuses at Clemson. This would require 10 hours and 41 minutes and give me 11,035 points. I decided that my back up route would be the latter one which would require me to bail at Highland. If I went on to Caesars Head and lost time between Highland and Caesars Head and decided to bail there, it would cost me 1,245 points. Once I passed Caesars Head, I was committed to the original route.

I decided that no matter what bonuses that might be offered on the Rally dates, that I was sticking to my original plan. 

Lessons Learned:

• Route planning is tedious work. A little of it goes a long ways.

• With 78 bonus locations, you have to do a lot of sorting.

• There are lots of ways to express longitude and latitude

• Garmin allows you to enter longitude and latitude in several different formats. You can then change the format and it will update all of the waypoints automatically to the new format.

• Microsoft Streets and Trips only allows you to enter longitude and latitude in decimal degrees.

• Don't think you can enter the points correctly. There are too many numbers. Check and cross check.

• Plan escapes into your route.

• The MSS&T strip maps are too small to be of much benefit. Turn maps aren't much better.

Heading Out to the Rally, Thursday, February 28, 2002

I had originally planned on meeting Nankoweap (Jason Jonas) at Knoxville. After several emails to make final arrangements we both came to strange conclusion that I was talking Friday a.m. and he was talking Thursday p.m.. Effective Communication? NOT. We decided to go our separate ways. Good thing for Jason as a cold front settled in.

Wednesday, February 27, we had 4-1/2 inches of snow, the roads were covered and icy and I had the first day that I was not able to ride my bike to work. There had been a couple of other bad days, but it just so happened that my bike was in the shop those days.

I had a Thursday night class. With a promise that I would give the class a 5% bonus if I won the Palmetto Ramble, I cut class short and headed out with full electrics (vest, gloves, chaps, and homemade boot heaters.) I also had a pair of Carhartt insulated bibs and long johns on my legs. On my upper body I had three shirts and a leather jacket. And I wouldn't leave home without my Roadgear scarf. I felt well prepared having learned a lesson or two from a BB3000 Gold with an average temperature of 28 degrees.

It was only 22 degrees but the sun had done a good job of clearing the roads. I abandoned a decision to go the long route to stay on the Interstate and headed out on the back roads to Cincinnati. My GPS was not working. It was eating batteries and would not work from my bike plug. Arggg. It's going to be fun doing the rally without a GPS.

I stopped by the house, gave my wife Brenda a kiss and headed out. I have become comfortable riding in the cold and love riding at night. By the time I got to Knoxville, I was getting tired and my boot heaters were too hot (had the same problem on my BB3000 Gold, I will replace with electric socks next time out). I decided to stop in Knoxville for a few hours sleep. I thought since it would be a short night, I would stay at a cheap hotel. Pull into a Scottish Inn ($39.00 with tax). MISTAKE. I thought I might fall through the walkway on the second floor. No cover only a single sheet and a bed spread. They did let me park my bike in front of the office however. Ask for a wake up call that would give me 4 hours sleep. I awoke before the call and was rolling on to Columbia. I got into Spartanburg, SC about 10:45 and gave Andy a call. The MTF gang was worried about me traveling in the weather we were having. I had stopped at the Spartanburg Visitors Center to get an extra S.C. map. While there I picked up several pieces of literature in the northwest quadrant. Basically, anything that had a map on it, I picked up. A guy from Tennessee on a Harley had pulled up beside me. I'm a wuss. I have a fairing, tall windshield, and great wind protection. How do those guys do it? I rolled into Columbian about 12:30. It was really a nice ride and even with only a few hours sleep, I felt rested.

Met Coop, Andy, Jason, and a couple others. After some chat several of us headed down to get some lunch at a Meat and 3 side type place (Lizzard something). The events kind of run together so I will like get some things out of order here. When we get back from lunch, I decided to head out to an auto parts store to find a multi-meter. I left mine on my desk while working on my boots. Sure enough the accessory plug was dead. The power wire was hot but looked like a broken ground. I decided to check the connection at the other end of the cord. This is under the left fairing pocket and easy to get there. Ah-hah. A broken wire outside of the GPS cord. That should be easy. I buy a few connectors and a ratchet style crimper and I am soon back in business. On the way back to the hotel I get a six pack (coke) for Friday for a 500 point bonus.

When I pull into the lot I see this beautiful cream venture with a tan seat. It was the AlbinoRhino, Mike Vincent. I am going to be Mike's riding partner for 17 days after the MTF 50CC. This would be the first time to meet. I felt immediately like we had been old friends, the same feeling that I had when I met Jason for the first time. Then here come Jules, big hugs and some good conversation commenced. Soon Dragracer Bob shows up apologizing for trailering from Louisville. No apologies were necessary, not everybody is nuts enough to ride in the temperatures that I ride in. Also met Jon David Powers. He is a lurker on the MTF but was considering doing the MTF 50CC, but it conflicted with a missionary trip to Russia. (Actually, I found out on my return that Jon goes by TTguy on the MTF and I had not made the connection.)

Friday Night's Events

On Friday we checked in. Our driver's license were sealed in an envelope. There was supposed to be a bonus if you brought it back at the end of the rally. I brought mine back sealed but didn't get any bonus, so I think it was just so you could be laughed at if you ended the rally with it unsealed. There was a good deal of ribbing going on. We were given a nice long sleeve blue t-shirt with a silver Palmetto Ramble logo front and back. There was more chat and finally the time for the Rider's meeting. Fifty-one riders had signed up for the Palmetto, but only thirty-seven started. 

The MTF gang huddled at a table inhaling Papa John's pizza. A lot more chat. I was a bit disappointed that it was not a little more intimate. I really didn't get to know my fellow MTF'er like I thought I would. Another time maybe.

Finally, the Rally Books were passed out. Oops. No pen. I wasn't alone. I got the orange highlighter to write with and Jason got the green one. I think all riders were a bit surprised that there were no new bonuses. I know I was. I had already decided that I was not going to bite on any of the new bonuses, but it was nice not to be tempted. Jason and I still appeared to be taking the same basic route. I least we both indicated that we were going to the mountains. Jules looked concerned. I wasn't sure at that point if she would be riding. Bob and Mike were a bit tight lipped. Maybe they had the winning route. Some people were unaware that the some bonus points had changed, even though emails had been sent re an updated web site. Ouch. Fortunately my plan was based upon the most recent points. Coop, Andy, and Carlos answered questions. Then big surprise came for me. I had thrown out Crossroads, GA and the three state bonus in favor of some other bonus locations. Andy says, the intent of the three state bonus was that you actually go to three states and that you did not have to have bonus locations in three states. Ok what does that mean for me? Then Andy says, "For example, if you get a receipt in Wahalla, SC and another in Highlands, NC, it is obvious that you had to take 28 through Georgia. Hey, that is my route. I get the three state bonus for free (1064 points, raising my route to 13,415 points)!!! I was pretty happy about that. 

Herbie Saint, a 1999 Rally Participant offered a class for all rookies and anyone else that wanted to stay. I think many thought that Herbie would tell them how to win a rally. Herbie clarified that right away by saying, "I hope you don't think I'm going to tell you how to win a rally, because I have never won a rally. In fact I finished way down the list in the Iron Butt Rally." He got a few chuckles. Herbie's emphasis was to have fun, not to do more than you were capable, ride safe, and return for the celebration. He used the IBA tips as the basis for his comments. I think this was good advise for rookies. By having the rookie class, the Palmetto took a big step in making the rookies welcome. Did I learn anything? Maybe not, but it made me feel better that I was welcome and that the committee brought in an experienced rally rider to talk to us. To me it said the committee want us to have a great time here.

After Herbie's, talk everybody quickly parted back to their rooms. It was about 9:00 p.m. I think. I guess I was one of the few riders that forgot to fill up. I guess I was distracted from having to do the GPS repair. I zipped to a gas station a block away. Picked up a set of nail clippers and a pen and headed back to the room. I decided I better clean the windshield and install my half cover. I had learned the night before that the Tour King half cover streaked the windshield. I decided to put the Tulsa Windshield cover over the windshield and then the Tour King on top of that. 

I pulled out my route summary, my MSS&T strip maps, the literature I got from the visitors center, my S.C. paper map, etc. My first idea was to make brief large lettered notes that would get me from one one bonus stop to the next. I got this idea from Ron Ayres. I don't remember whether it was in his book "Against the Wind" or in an email that he had sent when I had inquired about his 49 state record breaking trip. I soon realized two things: 1) My right was pretty simple and would only cover a few primary roads. I really didn't need the summary information. and 2) the MSS&T strip maps were too small to be of any benefit. I had scheduled a 15 minute stop at each bonus location. I decided that I would right the planned arrival, planned departure, and a pointer at each bonus to the next bonus. This way I could look up the question that I would have to answer at the next bonus and confirm the point in my GPS. This would also tell me if I was ahead or behind schedule at each location. I was hoping to be ahead as I knew my route was 36 minutes over the end time and 6 minutes past the time bar. This took quite awhile. I organized my cloths and all my wears for the next day and put them all on one table so I would be sure not to forget anything. I hit the sack about 12:30. I asked for a wakeup call for 4:30 a.m. and set the alarm for 4:30 a.m. I had only had about 3-4 hours of sleep the night before so I was soon sawing logs. I woke up about 4:20. I was ready to go. Turned off the alarm, showered, and starting packing my bike.

Rally Morning

I removed my cover and began packing my bike. I put my rally book safely in my trunk. The rally book looked lonely in the trunk. This should keep my rally book nice and dry. We had been warned that keeping the rally book dry was a must. I moved my bike to the front and I was 7 or 8 bikes from the front. Early bird gets the worm. I mounted my GPS and loaded my route. I really didn't want everybody to know that I was going north but a glance at my GPS clearly indicated my intended direction. I decided to put a towel over the GPS but the wind kept blowing it off. Oh well they would find out soon enough anyway. 

It soon started raining. Time to put on the rain suit. Actually, I frequently rub my leather jacket down with mink oil and decided that I would only wear my rain pants and not my rain jacket. I was one the the few rider in jeans as opposed to a riding suit and I think was the only rider with a 3/4 helmet. I have to take care of that. I know I need a suit and full face helmet just for my personal safety. My rain suit is a breathable material that I got at Galyans and is designed for hikers not riders. However, it had never leaked and was comfortable. I knew I would be wearing it all day. I was chatting with Mike while putting on my rain suit. Mike was standing on the left side of my bike and I was on the right. I put my left foot on the passengers floorboard to fasten the snap. Oops, I lifted the bike from the side stand and it was quickly falling toward me (Lard *&%). Fortunately, Mike saw it move and helped me catch it before it fell over. I don't think the rider of that K-bike beside me would be too happy if I knocked over his bike. Nor would I. 

Waiting for the start was an anxious time. I really didn't know what to expect, but as I saw the bikes line up behind me I was glad that I had gotten to the line early. I saw Jason putting on his baclava. I was thinking darn Jason, it isn't that cold, I think it was about 43 degrees, but soon remembered he was from Texas. Darn, I forgot my scarf. That is my most important piece of winter wear. How could I forget that? I head back to my room and got back just in time to saddle up. I had on a t-shirt, electric vest, the Palmetto long sleeve shirt, and my leather jacket. On my legs I had long underwear and jeans. Feet? Winter socks, and seal skinz waterproof socks. And of course, I had my Roadgear fleece scarf.. Man people are starting to pull out and I don't have my gloves on or my electrics plugged in. Fortunately the riders immediately behind me were not ready either. All right the rally is starting.

The Ride

I headed out to the first checkpoint which was mandatory and would serve as the odometer check. The were a couple of tricky turns but I had a rider in front of me so I was hoping that either he could see the rider in front of him, etc. or he knew where he was going. I guess one rider actually made a wrong turn. Glad it wasn't me. 

I head down the Interstate to I26 Exit 54, my turn off to Honea Path (Municipal Building). I saw one bike in front of me, and soon passed him. That was the last bike I saw until I got to my seventh stop at Highlands, NC. I was having problems with the mileage on my bike and decided that I should get gas before hitting the rural areas of N.C. (I later found that gas was plentiful). I stopped at a station at the "Y" for of US 25 and US 76. After the fill up, I can't get my bike started, not even a click. I check the kill switch, reverse switch, kickstand up, moved from accessory mode, and all the other dumb things I can think of. Nope!!! Off the bike try again and it starts. Still don't know what caused that. I head down the road. Oops, my GPS area and route don't seem to be right. Took the wrong leg of the "Y." I made one of the many U-turns of the day.

I get to Honea Path and come to Main Street. This is where the Municipal Building is located. Do I go left or right? Looks like left. I ride slowly looking at both sides of the road. Starting to exit town, I must have missed it. U-turn. Hurry back the other way only casually looking. This can't be right. U-turn, it has to be here. Don't see it. Yet another U-turn and back through town. Turned back onto 76. Darn it said Main Street. Another U-turn and back on Main Street. There it is!!! How did I pass it four times? I hope this is not how the rest of the day will go. The building was set back from the other buildings about 4 feet but was right there in open few. I get the information and soon realize that with the pouring rain and a visor on my helmet, it is going to be very difficult keeping my rally book dry. 

On to the Anderson Courthouse. I could have just headed on down Main Street but had in my mind that I needed to go back to 76, which I thought was going straight. Oops that's 252. I take a right and weaved my way back to 76. As I exit town, I notice a local policeman. Reminder, better watch the speed. As I enter Anderson I can see a tall older building which I suspect is the courthouse. I wind my way there, park at the edge of the street (there isn't any parking close), get the information, and I am ready for the next stop. Which direction do I go? Again the GPS tells me I am headed the wrong direction. A stop at old auto repair and they say, "Just make a U-turn and go straight." I'm getting good at U-turns by now. I am going right through the business district which is full of lights and I'm not so lucky hitting the green ones. Clock ticking in my head. I bet I will be taking the escape route.

Next stop the Old Stone Church in Clemson. I get stopped at the light close to where my GPS indicating the bonus location. Hey, this is Old Stone Church Road. Turn right. Don't see anything here. You guessed it, another U-turn. I see a van pull into a Church to my left, I will ask the driver. The driver says, "It's right there in the cemetery. You know you are entitled to think on these rides. Old Stone Church? Doesn't it make since that it would be located in an Old Cemetery? I had allowed 15 minutes per stop for documentation, but it wasn't taking that long. I am ahead of my scheduled time. Maybe I have a chance at the full ride.

On to Wahalla, all I need is a receipt. I have to pee, but I don't want to waste time. I will just gut it up and pay at the pump and be on my way. No receipt. Have to go inside. Heck I might as well go to the restroom. It is a one-holer and someone is using it. Wait, Wait, Wait. Try to get through the layers of clothes and I am finally on my way to the Stumphouse Tunnel which is supposed to be just 5 miles outside of town. I see the sign. Holy Cow. This is a steep grade and twisty path down to the the tunnel and it is still raining. I get to bottom collect the information and head back out. At the top, the road angles opposite the way I need to turn. I do some fancy maneuvering and make the turn. On to Highlands, N.C.

U.S. 28 looks crooked on the map. Crooked is an understatement. From Wahalla, S.C. to Highlands, N.C. to Caesar's Head State Park, S.C. is 82.5 miles of continuous curves. Did I mention it was raining? Oh, by the way it is 34 degrees so I am someone concerned that I could hit some ice as well. I have to be cautious in the curves. I decided that my strategy will be to set up the curve, accelerate in the short straight away while setting up the next curve, front brake to the speed I was comfortable and repeat. I abused my bike but felt like I was riding safe. I knew I was just not comfortable going hard in the curves. I stopped into the Highlands' Furniture Store and Radio Shack and got a receipt. Another wrong turn in Highlands, some wandering around, and I am on my way to Caesar's Head State Park down U.S. 64. I saw my first fellow rider filling up at the gas station, in Highlands. He was on a BMW but I couldn't tell who it was as he had a full face helmet. 

I stopped for gas on my way to Caesar's Head. It appears from the map as I look at it now,  that it was at the intersection of 64 and 178. I only had 15 minutes to call back in order to get a 200 point bonus. I fill-up but again must pay inside. I try to call and can't get a signal on my cell. Go back in and get change. Make the call and leave my cell on the pay phone shelf (not discovered until the next day). I am about an hour ahead of schedule, so I go back in and get a banana and use the restroom. A guy was standing outside and I ask for instructions, "Just go straight down 64 to 276 as he points down 64. I get on the bike and head out. This intersection has 64 which I came in on, running parallel to the pumps and my bike. I ride straight forward and veer to the right. About 5 miles later, "What is up, I'm not on 64?" U-turn and when I get to the station I see the sign for 64 and realize my mistake. That guy had to be laughing his A$$ off. I would have been. Dippo out in the rain, 34 degrees, and can't even follow directions. 

I get to Brevard, where 64 intersects with 276 and I see the rider that I saw at the gas station in Highlands. He was in the straight lane; I am in the turn lane at a stop. I decide to move up next to him and discover that he was going to Caesar's Head as well. We head down 276 and hit fog. Salt has also been put down on the roads very generously. The salt is piled up in the middle and you have to keep crossing it as you set up each turn. I got too deep into several turns. The fog and the water on my glasses and windshield were causing me to misjudge the apex of the curves. The other rider (still unknown to me) must have thought, "What a lousy rider this is." We both pass the entrance to Caesar's Head and just park along the edge of the road and walk to the office. Unfortunately,  we had to walk some distance to gather the information at the end of the parking lot. Should have rode. Get the Park Stamp. The other rider had to use the restroom so I went on my way as two other riders pulled up. I backed off the curves a bit and saw several other riders on my way to Callahan Branch, Poinsettia Bridge.

I know from my pre-planning that this is one of the more confusing spots. I am going to have to make several turns on secondary roads. I am watching the GPS: 1.2 miles, 1.0 miles, .8 miles and 6.2 miles. WHAT? U-turn. 6.2 miles, .8 miles. How can that be? This GPS does not have auto-routing. I just watch my location arrow and the bonus mark on the GPS and wind and turn my way. I am gradually getting closer. I see a pickup at a stop sign and ask if he knows where the bridge is located. He has to be a local, nobody else could find there way to here. "Never heard of it." I continue down the road a short piece and there it is in the same direction the pickup had just traveled. Get the information and no place to turn around insight. I'll just make another U-turn. Oops, there is about a 5 foot drop on each side and this is a narrow road. I'm not going to make it. Hit the brake. BIG OOPS!! I forgot to straighten my wheel and drop the bike. Fortunately, I was on a hill and I dropped it up hill. Idiot lifts bike from the seat (I didn't realize it at the time, but I strained my back and suffered the next week.) I get turned around and have no idea how to get back to the main road. I just start wandering, with the GPS arrow going in circles as I would around the mountain and back. Somehow, I found my way back to 11 and head to Campbell's bridge. I lost some time there, but I am past my escape point. Whatever happens, happens.

I know again that I have to get off the main road to find Campbell's Bridge. I see Campbells road and head that way. Some wandering around and I find the bridge. Whoever located these bonus' were sinister. I see two other riders at the Bridge. I head out to my last stop at Greer.

I am looking for Our Lady Queen of Vietnam Park. All of a sudden my GPS arrow is going the wrong direction. I had come to ignore it because in the mountains, you were always changing directions. I'm on a straight road and the arrow is not changing. Yep, another U-turn. Right along side the road is a fenced off area with a 20-30 foot white statue. How did I ride by that? The gate is locked. I am soaked, My gloves and jacket are very heavy and I am wearing a rain suit. I have to climb a wall. Up and over and the walkway has about 2" of water that I stride through. Back over the wall and I am on my way back. I find my way to 29 and eventually am on my way back I26. I just have to get back in time now. Based upon the GPS, I should be in good shape. 

Somewhere about the 80-90 mile maker, I see a sign for a State Park. Hey, I could get some extra points as I turn off the interstate, two more turns at the signs, Park is 11 miles. Why didn't they give the mileage at the first sign? I don't have time for this as I make a U-turn and head back to the Interstate. 

Entering Columbia there are two separate four car pile ups on the opposite side of the Interstate and traffic is blocked. Wow, hope nothing like that happens on this side. As I enter town, traffic is heavy. I have a half hour and should be able to pick up two more bonuses near the final checkpoint. I decide against it and check in about 30 minutes early.

As I get off the bike someone says your bike is on fire! You are on fire! I had been running my heated seats and they were steaming. Everybody got a laugh from that. I turned in my six pack and went to the room to get out of my wet suit. 

I felt complete. I had ridden the ride that I planned and did not get time barred. So I did it in about 75 minutes less time than MS Streets and Trips. This in in part due to not needing 15 minutes at each stop and due to some good time on the Interstate. Did I forget to say it was raining and I was now a U-turn expert?

The Scoring

I was directed to a table where three or four scorers sat with computers. The scorer checked my rally book and then asked for my first Bonus. The Odometer reading. "I have that one", he said. "What's your next bonus?" Honea Path. He asked for the question, I responded and we continued until I had claimed all of my bonuses, answering each question as we went. I turned in the receipts for Wahalla and Highlands. I also claimed the bonus' for Call Back, State Park, Friday Six Pack, Declare Route, and Three State Bonus. The scorer says, your final score is 11,368, sign here. Bob is setting next to me and claims the S.C. Lottery ticket bonus. What? How did I forget that. For some reason, I did not have it on my preplan. I had several opportunities to buy one for 500 points but blitzed. I'm thinking my score is low, but I left all of planning records in the room. Some bonus values had changed and I thought that might be why my score was low. Hey I did my ride. I was happy. 

I see Jules and she has 10,366 and has been told that it is in the Top 5. I am happy for Jules as I was not even sure she was going to do the ride on Friday. I am also smiling to myself because that means I have done pretty good as well. I see Jason and he has 9523 points. I didn't understand that because, I thought we had a similar route. I will try to talk to him later I think. 

We have a nice buffet of Maurice's BBQ and then it is time for the tally. I am 9th. Not bad for my first rally. 

The Ride Home

I ponder trying to ride to Knoxville that night so I don't have such a long ride the next day. A cold front is moving in up north and snow is in the forecast. I decide against it. Good decision. I was out as soon as I hit the pillow. The short nights sleep the night before and the concentration needed in the rain had drained me. I get packed at 7:00 eat a light Breakfast and am ready to pull out at 8:00 a.m. It is starting to drizzle, so I put on my rain suit. Interstate traffic is flying and I am making good time. I have on my electric vest and gloves that were still a bit wet even though I had them over the heater all night. By the time I hit Knoxville it is in the 30's. It is getting pretty cold. By the time I hit Jellico, it was in the 20's and I am very cold. I stop for gas and decide to put on my electric chaps and insulated bibs. I also buy my wife some fudge as a token of appreciation for indulging my insanity. I decided against the boot heaters. I had been thinking about my score along the ride and I decide to dig out my preplan notes while I warm up. My records show that I should have 12,351 points. I wonder what bonus' changed? Maybe, I should have tried to change my route. 

Cincinnati and the temperatures were now in the teens. It is a lot easier going from cold to hot than it is to go from hot to cold. My feet are freezing. About 40 miles from home I hit snow. It is sticking and I had decided to take the back roads. I am having to ride really slow as the roads are unpredictable. Finally, I made it. I made good time but am really cold. I get my boots off and my feet are purple. I have to invest in electric socks or better boots.

Checking My Score

It is really bugging me about my score. I go straight to the computer and check the latest values for each bonus as soon as I get home. My locations didn't change. Why was my score so low? I am 983 points short. No wait, I also was able to claim the 3-state bonus. That was another 1,064 points. I'm 2,047 points short. I should have had 13,415 points. This would have been enough to put me in second place.

I emailed Carlos, but forgot that my email had changed due to the @home problems, and he was not able to respond. I emailed Coop and Andy. Coop responded, "As for the scoring issue. Just like in Golf you need to check your score card when you turn it in. The spread sheet Carlos built worked very well but I will not say that a problem could not have happen. Ultimately, however you must ok your score before you turn it in." I had just learned a very big lesson, No matter how tired you are or how much faith you have in the system, take a calculator and check your score before signing the final score sheet, honest mistakes can happen. 

I understand that I should have checked the score. Big Rookie Mistake. I also understand that the final results are the final results. However, I wanted to understand better how the mistake was made. I had answered every question. It was easy, my rally book was highlighted. I also had turned in the requested receipts. A check of the bonus values and it appeared to me that somehow I did not get credit for Anderson 834 and Highlands 1213 as these two bonus values added up to the 2047 shortage. Another person had contacted me stating that their score was short also. A quick check and they were also short 2047 points. Must have been the same mistake as our routes were similar. I was now even more curious to know what had happened to the scores. A couple of emails later and I learned that a spreadsheet error had been made and that some other errors had been discovered. 

This was a rookie rally for many riders. I, and maybe other riders, failed to check our scores before signing. I know I will never make this mistake again. It was also the inaugural Palmetto Ramble. There was an unanticipated problem in the scoring system. I'm sure organizers regret it and I know they will correct it before the next rally. I did my ride and I am happy.

The MTF Gang

Andy	Jules Girl-on-a-Glide
Mike AlbinoRhino	Alan and Coop
Jon TTGuy	DragracerBob and Russ
Jason & Coop

Coop, Jason, Craig, Bob, Mike, Jules, Alan